Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.
Whether it’s major national or global issues or more personal and immediate situations, there always seems to be something that makes us anxious. And this anxiety can affect our physical and mental health, and may even trigger more anxiety. “Physically, anxiety can cause symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and breathing difficulties.
People with anxiety disorders often feel nervous, restless, and on edge, which can affect their ability to concentrate or lead to poor sleep quality,” explained Dr. Katherine Noble, a psychologist in New York and the director of the Noble Psychology Clinic. “These thoughts and emotions are intense and persistent, seriously affecting their daily lives, making it difficult for them to participate in daily activities or find joy in moments that others find ordinary,” she added. One way to add a sense of light – heartedness and happiness when feeling anxious is through humor.
Research shows that laughter can relieve stress and anxiety. Many well – known figures, including writers, artists, and historical figures, have recognized and shared the value of humor. Dr. Noble believes that humor is an effective way to reduce anxiety. It provides immediate comfort and has long – term benefits. Laughter prompts the body to release endorphins, which can boost mood, reduce stress, and at the same time lower cortisol levels, which are related to the stress response, thus alleviating the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Let’s take a look at 20 quotes designed to make you smile and feel lighter during times of stress and anxiety. So, relax, take a deep breath, and as Louis Armstrong said, “Leave your troubles outside the door.”
20 Anxiety Quotes to Keep You Smiling
The Book of Proverbs in the Bible says that a cheerful heart is good medicine. These quotes are sure to make you feel better.
- “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
- “Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow.” – E. B. White
- “The cure for obsession: another obsession.” – Mason Cooley
- “Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard
- “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” – Mark Twain
- “I’ve developed a new philosophy. I only dread one day at a time.” – Charles M. Schulz
- “I give myself permission to be bad at things… I find it incredibly liberating.” – John Green
- “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams
- “I dropped out of psychotherapy because my analyst was trying to help me behind my back.” – Richard Lewis
- “If at first you don’t succeed, look at the failure’s rewards.” – William Lyon Phelps
- “I’m in favor of anything that gets you through the night.” – Frank Sinatra
- “Life is hard. After all, it kills you.” – Katharine Hepburn
- “My life needs an editor.” – Mort Sahl
- “One of the advantages of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody’s listening.” – Franklin P. Jones
- “Reality continues to ruin my life.” – Bill Watterson
- “The next time you have an idea… let it pass.” – Ron White
- “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris
- “There can be no crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” – Henry Kissinger
- “We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” – David Mamet, Boston Marriage
- “Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” – Erma Bombeck
Other Ways to Soothe an Anxious Mind
More than one – third of adults in the United States will deal with some form of anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Besides humor, other strategies can help you cope with the symptoms of anxiety. Try spending time in nature. Connecting with nature can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Go for a pleasant walk, sit on the back deck, or read a book on the porch. Then relax.
Get some exercise. “Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, whether it’s walking, jogging, practicing yoga, or any other physical activity you enjoy. Exercise releases endorphins, promotes better sleep, and serves as a healthy way to distract yourself from anxious thoughts,” said Dr. Noble.
Practice meditation, spend time in prayer, or use mindfulness techniques. Engaging in an activity that allows you to shift your focus away from yourself to a peaceful presence or a higher power can be beneficial. Seek professional help. Therapists can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety and work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
Make use of the quotes we’ve shared. Keep a calendar of humorous quotes by your computer, hang a quote – decorated picture on the wall, or create a quote – themed phone screensaver. These quotes can bring laughter when you need it and may also have a therapeutic effect in helping you cope with anxiety, said Dr. Tasha M. Brown, the founder of TMB Psychological Services.
Ultimately, humor can help you change your focus, shift your attention away from stressful problems, and even have a healing effect. “Humor often changes your perspective and helps ease anxious feelings. Humorous quotes can also challenge negative thought patterns… reminding you that excessive worrying can be counterproductive. Humor is liberating,” Dr. Brown concluded.